Monsoon Brings Crocodile Scare to Vadodara

VADODARA : As monsoon waters continue to swell rivers and lakes across Vadodara, crocodiles are once again venturing into residential areas, triggering panic among citizens and highlighting the city’s unique coexistence with one of India’s most protected reptiles. A viral video showing 11 crocodiles floating together in the Dhadhar River and the rescue of a 9-foot crocodile from a posh residential society have renewed concerns over human-wildlife encounters.

The viral footage, recorded near Kothwada village on the Padra-Karjan road, shows a large group of crocodiles—both adults and juveniles—floating together in the swollen waters of the Dhadhar River. The unusual sight has alarmed farmers, cattle breeders and villagers who regularly visit the riverbanks for agricultural and livestock activities.

Following the viral video, locals alerted the Forest Department, which has advised people to avoid venturing close to riverbanks and flooded areas during the monsoon.

The fear intensified after a massive 9-foot crocodile entered Galaxy Bungalows on Vadodara’s Vasna-Bhayali Road late at night. Residents spotted the reptile moving calmly through the society’s internal road, creating panic among families.

“The crocodile was safely rescued after a coordinated operation by the Forest Department and volunteers of the Gau Raksha Seva Samiti. Residents have been urged not to approach or provoke wild animals,” a forest official said.

In another incident, a giant crocodile was spotted in a pond near the Tandalja bus stand, surrounded by densely populated residential societies. Residents fear that rising water levels could allow crocodiles to enter housing colonies, prompting demands for the Forest Department to install rescue cages and relocate the reptile before any untoward incident occurs.

While crocodiles have long been associated with the Vishwamitri River, experts say the city’s expanding urban landscape has increased interactions between humans and wildlife.

According to crocodile expert Dr. Raju Vyas, the first scientific census conducted in 1992 recorded around 50 crocodiles in the Vishwamitri River stretch between Dumad and Jambua. A survey conducted by the Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) Foundation in February last year documented 442 crocodiles, reflecting a nearly nine-fold increase over three decades.

“The Vishwamitri provides crocodiles with abundant food, shelter and suitable habitat. Despite their growing numbers, there has been no recorded case of a crocodile attacking a person in Vadodara,” Dr. Vyas noted.

Crocodiles are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, making them one of India’s highest-protected species. Wildlife experts caution that crocodiles generally avoid humans but may mistake splashing in water for prey. Authorities have appealed to residents to stay away from riverbanks, ponds and flooded areas during the monsoon and immediately inform the Forest Department if a crocodile is sighted.